War 2: A Disappointing Blend of Familiar Tropes and Underutilized Talent

The film ‘War 2’ attempts to capitalize on the appeal of two major stars, Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, in an action-packed narrative. The film, however, struggles to deliver a fresh or engaging experience. The story revolves around the mysterious emergence of Major Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan) as a threat to the nation, prompting the government to deploy Officer Vikram (Jr. NTR) to neutralize him. Vikram’s mission is complicated by his own past, adding a layer of suspense. Supporting Vikram is Kavya Thapar (Kiara Advani), whose motivations extend beyond the immediate mission. The film’s core question is how Kabir, once a celebrated agent, became a foe, and if Vikram and Kavya can stop him. Hrithik Roshan’s entry is marked by a dynamic action sequence. However, the plot quickly loses momentum. ‘War 2’ follows a formulaic approach, similar to numerous spy thrillers. It lacks the originality seen in contemporary web series that offer realistic portrayals of intelligence operations. Ayan Mukerji’s direction, despite expectations for innovation, feels underwhelming. Mukerji’s direction seems to prioritize the star power of Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR over the plot’s strength. While the action sequences are well-executed, the film suffers from illogical elements and pacing issues. Hrithik Roshan delivers a strong performance, showcasing his charm and fitting the role of Kabir. Jr. NTR’s character is underwritten, preventing him from fully utilizing his skills. Kiara Advani is adequate but her role primarily involves musical sequences and romantic scenes. Anil Kapoor’s character is brief and feels undeveloped. The film features action sequences, with a notable background score, and the songs by Pritam are decent. Overall, ‘War 2’ may appeal to the stars’ fans. But compared to the first film, it falls short. It disappoints those seeking a gripping story, compelling action, and great chemistry between the lead actors.